In what way is milling and routing different?

Milling and routing are both subtractive manufacturing processes used to shape materials, but they differ primarily in their applications and equipment. Milling typically involves a rotating cylindrical cutting tool that removes material from a workpiece, often used for creating complex shapes and features in metals and hard materials. Routing, on the other hand, generally involves a straight or spiral-cutting tool and is primarily used for cutting and shaping softer materials like wood, plastics, and composites, often focusing on edges and contours. Additionally, routers are often more portable and can be used in various settings, while mills are usually stationary and more robust.